Effortless Elevated Apple Pie

 

Take the fuss out of homemade apple pie by cleverly layering store-bought crust, pre-fried apples, & applesauce to create a surprisingly delicious & easy dessert with a delightful texture.

    Craving the comforting warmth of apple pie but short on time or energy? Fear not, fellow dessert enthusiasts! We've cracked the code to an "Effortless Elevated Apple Pie" that utilizes pantry staples to deliver a surprisingly delicious and texturally intriguing experience. Forget peeling mountains of apples or slaving over a homemade crust. This recipe embraces convenience without sacrificing flavor, layering store-bought goodness in a way you've likely never considered.

    The secret lies in the strategic combination of canned fried apples and applesauce. The fried apples, already softened and imbued with warm spices, provide that classic apple pie filling flavor and a slightly caramelized note. The applesauce acts as a moisture-rich binder, creating a smooth and luscious base that melds everything together beautifully. By layering these with a reliable store-bought crust, we cut down on prep time significantly. But we're not stopping there! A few thoughtful additions elevate this simple pie to something truly special, adding layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Think a hint of bright citrus, a touch of warming spice, and a crunchy, buttery topping that provides a delightful contrast to the soft filling.

    This isn't about pretending it's a from-scratch masterpiece. It's about being smart in the kitchen, using readily available ingredients in an innovative way to create a comforting and satisfying dessert with minimal effort. So, if you're looking for a shortcut to apple pie heaven without compromising on taste, grab those cans and that crust – you're about to be pleasantly surprised!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (2 count) store-bought refrigerated pie crusts
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans fried apples (undrained)
• 1 (24 ounce) jar or can unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Optional Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll one of the store-bought pie crusts and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges and crimp as desired.

2. Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the canned fried apples (with their liquid), applesauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.

4. Add the Top Crust (or Crumble):

   • Traditional Top Crust: Unroll the second pie crust. Place it over the filling. Trim the edges, crimp to seal with the bottom crust, and cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
   • Optional Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple filling.

5. Bake the Pie: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If using a crumble topping, bake until the topping is also golden brown. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Estimate (per serving, based on 8 servings - will vary based on crust and topping):

• Calories: ~300-400 kcal (estimated)
• Protein: ~3-5g
• Carbohydrates: ~40-50g
• Fat: ~15-20g
• Fiber: ~3-5g

This Effortless Elevated Apple Pie proves that deliciousness doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. By cleverly combining convenient ingredients and adding a touch of thoughtful flavoring, you can create a comforting and satisfying apple pie that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the ease and the surprisingly delightful taste!